Friends, family, and fellow musicians gathered at Manchester Cathedral today to pay their final respects to Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the beloved bassist of The Stone Roses. The funeral service for the 63-year-old music legend began at 11.30am, drawing figures from across the British music scene to say a poignant goodbye.
A Manchester Farewell for a Musical Icon
The ceremony took place at Manchester Cathedral, a fitting location for a man so intrinsically linked to the city's cultural fabric. A black hearse carrying Mani's coffin was seen departing from his home area of Heaton Moor in Stockport, making its way to the cathedral. A touching floral tribute spelling out 'R Kid' adorned the vehicle, a nod to his roots and enduring nickname.
Among the mourners arriving to honour Mani was Tim Burgess, frontman of fellow Manchester band The Charlatans. The service was followed by a private committal for family and close friends.
Tragic Loss Follows Personal Heartache
Mounfield's passing was confirmed last month by his brother, Greg, who shared the devastating news on social media. He revealed that Mani died peacefully in his sleep at his Stockport home on November 20. The cause was linked to respiratory issues, following a long-standing battle with the lung condition emphysema. It is understood he collapsed after a seizure, and despite an ambulance being called, he could not be revived.
His death comes just two years after his wife of 25 years, Imelda, died from bowel cancer. The couple are survived by their two 12-year-old sons, Gene and George. In his online tribute, Greg Mounfield added a moving sentiment: 'Reunited with his beautiful wife Imelda.'
Tributes from Bandmates and the Music World
The official Stone Roses account on X (formerly Twitter) paid a heartfelt tribute, posting a nostalgic photo of Mani playing bass. The message read: 'RIP our wonderful brother Mani. The greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for. X.'
Lead singer Ian Brown, 62, shared his own simple yet powerful message: 'Rest In Peace Mani.' The outpouring of grief extended far beyond his original band. After The Stone Roses initially split in 1996, Mani enjoyed a successful tenure with Primal Scream before reuniting with his former bandmates in 2011 for a major stadium tour.
Liam Gallagher of Oasis, a close friend, expressed his shock, calling Mani his 'hero'. Shaun Ryder of Happy Mondays and bands like Kasabian also shared condolences, praising him as a 'Manchester Icon' and a 'true gentleman'.
Mani's legacy is not only musical but also charitable. During Imelda's illness, the couple worked tirelessly to raise funds for charities including The Christie Hospital and Maggie's, organising auctions with items from stars like David Beckham. Imelda had spoken bravely about focusing on positive action during her fight.
The bassist was last seen in public at the funeral of boxer Ricky Hatton, also held at Manchester Cathedral, in October. His death marks the end of an era for Manchester's music scene, leaving behind a profound void and a legendary back catalogue that defined a generation.
